An Umno leader had advised the party delegates to refrain from raising issues that will hurt the feelings of other races, yet be free to address issues concerning Malays.

Cheras Umno division chief Syed Ali Alhabshee said he was repeating Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s warning not to play up sensitive issues relating to race and religion yesterday.

“He (Tengku Adnan) was being fair when he reminded the delegates that they are free to makes speeches, but not to go as far as pressing on sensitive issues,” he said.

Tengku Adnan ( left ) said yesterday that even personal problems should not be debated during the assembly.

Syed Ali also pointed out that reminders of these kind are meted out every year during Umno’s annual general assembly.

He said grassroot issues relating to Islam and the Malay community are best heard at the annual assembly.

“Now, this we can debate on seeing that this is a Malay party and as well as this being Umno’s general assembly.

“If issues like this are not debated and discussed during the assembly, when else can we do it?” he told Malaysiakini .

Meanwhile, former Umno youth executive council member Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said he shared the same sentiments with Syed Ali.

“Every single year, the same reminders are given. However, they do not have any intention of limiting the debates or discussion,” said Tun Faisal.

He added that the delegates lined up to speak are given ample space to express their views.

“These speakers not only carry the aspirations of the party, but they also bring with them the grassroots aspirations they have for their area,” added Tun Faisal, who previously was involved with the secretariat in examining the motions for Umno’s general assembly.

Umno will be holding its 65th annual general assembly from Nov 25-29.